ACS Initial
Assessment
ACS Initial Assessment is the final training and assessment stage for a new entry gas engineer. It is included in our domestic gas training or available as a standalone assessment for external students.
To be eligible for the ACS Initial Assessment, you must have followed an approved managed learning programme, including a mandatory on-site portfolio-building stage.
In some circumstances, experienced gas engineers may also need to undertake ACS Initial Assessments. For example, reassessment usually arises when an operative’s ACS Gas Qualifications have lapsed and expired more than 12 months ago.

LCL is a recognised Awarding Organisation, accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). City and Guilds vs LCL
Qualification(s)
- CCN1 - Core Gas Safety (Inc CPA1 - Flue Gas Analyser).
- CENWAT - Central Heating Boilers and Water Heaters.
- CKR1 - Gas Cookers.
- HTR1 - Gas Fires.
Cost(s)
£1250 (Including VAT) - Finance Available
Entry Requirements
This course is designed for new entrants. For experienced engineers, please see ACS Renewal.
Delivery Methods
7-10 Days Duration
Regular
Start Dates
Finance
Available
Why Undertake The ACS Initial Assessment?
Completing the ACS Initial Assessment and earning your ACS qualifications demonstrates that you are ready to join the Gas Safe Register as an approved operative either in your own right or on behalf of a Gas Safe Registered company.
ACS Initial Assessment lasts for approximately two weeks and incorporates the full domestic suite of gas appliances:
- CCN1 – Core Gas Safety Course (Includes CPA 1 – Flue Gas Analysers
- HTR1 – Gas Fires Qualification
- CKR1 – Gas Cookers Qualification
- CENWAT – Central heating, gas boilers and water heaters
Before you can book yourself onto the course, you must be able to satisfy strict criteria. For example, external candidates must be able to prove that they have undergone approved training. In addition, all candidates must have completed an acceptable on-site portfolio under the supervision of a registered gas engineer.
Under exam conditions, you will undergo a series of written assessments that include open and closed-book multiple-choice papers. You will also need to be assessed practically for every appliance and discipline that forms part of your ACS Initial Assessment.
ACS Initial Assessment
Course Syllabus
Division |
Gas Training Division |
Module |
G3 – ACS Initial Training & Assessment |
Course Title |
ACS Domestic Gas & Plumbing Maintenance Training Course |
Duration |
80 Guided Learning Hours |
Location |
Options Skills Training Centre |
Attendance Type |
Full-time (Monday to Friday) |
Suitability |
This programme is designed for people that wish to gain ACS Gas Qualifications. |
Prerequisites |
Candidates must have completed G1 Managed Learning Plan and G2 on-site portfolio. The candidate will only be assessed for appliances/qualifications listed below if they built sufficient evidence within their portfolio. |
Course Objective |
Train and assess candidates understanding of Gas Supply Regulations. If successful, candidates will obtain ACS Gas Qualifications allowing them to apply for Gas Safe Registration in their own right or work as an approved operative for a Gas Safe Registered organisation. |
Course Content – Practical |
Refresher Training and preparation for Assessment |
Course Content – Theory |
Refresher Training and preparation for Assessment |
Assessment |
Written and practical assessment in Core Gas Safety. Gas Safety for domestic appliances; Boilers & water heaters, gas fires (space heaters) and gas cookers. |
Qualifications |
Domestic Suite of Gas Qualifications:
|
Accreditiation |
LCL Awards |
Next Step |
Apply for Gas Safe Registration. Optional – Renewables Energy Training. |
The course syllabus is intended as a guide. Timings and delivery of course content are subject to change at the discretion of the training manager & individual course tutors. |
ACS Initial Assessment Overview
In order to undertake the ACS Initial Assessment, you will be required to provide us with:
- Your National Insurance number
- Two recent colour photographs
- Completed portfolio of evidence, supervised and signed off by a registered gas engineer.
This all-encompassing course covers a range of topics including CCN1 and HTR1 training and qualifications ensuring you are up to date with the latest requirements for heating, gas, and water boiler installation and maintenance. Contact our team now to find out more and get started on your journey today.
ACS Renewal
You must renew ACS Gas Qualifications every 5-years. This ensures that all practising gas engineers are always aware of current legislation and best practices.
To learn more, and to book your renewal, visit our ACS Reassessment page or get in touch.


ACS Initial Assessment FAQs
Here, you can find several frequently asked questions about our ACS Initial Assessment.
If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch for a free consultation with one of our specialist course advisors.
Do I Need Previous Experience?
To be eligible to undertake the ACS Initial Assessment, you must have followed an approved managed learning programme (MLP), including a mandatory on-site portfolio-building stage.
If you are an experienced engineer, renewing your ACS qualifications, you may be eligible to undertake our ACS reassessment. Get in touch to learn more.
Why Train As A Gas Engineer?
Training as a gas engineer comes with a vast number of benefits. Millions of gas appliances throughout the UK require servicing, maintaining, repairing, and replacing. This requirement and an ageing workforce mean substantial demand for new engineers. With this demand comes the opportunity to earn a significant wage and enjoy job satisfaction.
As a gas engineer, you’ll find you have a lot of flexibility in your career, with numerous paths and areas in which to specialise.
Do I Need An ACS Qualification?
Yes, holding an ACS qualification is a requirement for all gas engineers in the UK. Even qualified engineers must renew their ACS every 5 years.
How Long Is The ACS Initial Assessment?
The ACS Assessment takes place over two weeks. During the period, you will be required to be in the centre Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm.
However, if you’re already a qualified engineer renewing your ACS Assessment, this process will instead take 3 – 5 days to complete.
Where Can I Complete My ACS Assessment?
The ACS Assessment is available at three of the Options Skills training centres. Located in; Birmingham, Manchester, and London.
How Often Do Courses Start?
We have new ACS Initial Assessment classes starting regularly, so you’ll never have to wait long to begin training with Options Skills.
What Are The Payment Options?
We accept card or cash payments. For more information on payment options, please speak to our course advisors at 0800 802 1306.
How Do I Book An ACS Assessment?
To find out more and book your ACS Assessment, you can request a callback via our contact form or call us directly on 0800 802 1306.
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